As we transition from one year to the next, this message invites us to reflect on hope—not as a fleeting emotion or wishful thinking, but as a person: Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 2:10-11, we're reminded that hope didn't just arrive at Christmas; it began there as God's rescue mission for humanity. The sermon weaves through powerful biblical narratives including Joseph's journey from pit to palace in Genesis 50:20, showing us that even when evil is meant against us, God works it for good. We're challenged by Mark 8:34 to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus—not merely adding Him to our lives like cream in coffee, but surrendering completely to His lordship. The Exodus story reminds us that God hears our cries and enters into our mess with compassion that leads to action. As we look back on the difficulties of the past year, we can see how hope has sustained us, and as we look forward, Philippians 1:6 assures us that the God who began a good work in us will complete it. This isn't just historical theology—it's living faith that calls us to lay aside every weight, trust God with what we cannot see, and fix our eyes firmly on Jesus as we run the race set before us.